This story was updated at 2 p.m. Nov. 8.
For the first time in 12 years, Arvada has a new mayor.
Lauren Simpson — formerly the District 2 councilmember — bested John Marriott by a few hundred votes to win the mayor’s seat, according to results posted on Nov. 8.
As of 11 a.m. on Nov. 8, 99% of ballots had been counted. As of that count, Simpson had received 22,267 votes, while Marriott had received 21,891.
This year’s election will see Arvada elect its first new mayor in 12 years, as longtime mayor and city councilmember Marc Williams is term-limited.
Both Marriott and Simpson are sitting city councilmembers, with Marriott representing District 3 for 10 years and Simpson coming up on the end of her first term as District 2’s representative.
Marriott called Simpson early on Nov. 8 to concede and congratulate her on her victory. Williams also called Simpson to congratulate her.
Simpson is the first elected female mayor in Arvada’s history.
Marriott will continue to serve on council as the District 3 representative for the next two years.
“I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Simpson said. “I am thankful for my constituents, my family, and my team. I look forward to earning the trust of this city; everybody who voted for me and everybody who did not. I am going to be the mayor for all Arvadans.
“I can’t wait to get to the new councilmembers seated and get to work,” Simpson continued. “One of the things that’s always given my comfort in this race was knowing that whoever won, the city would be in good hands. I look forward to working with John in the next two years on council and doing a lot of great work.
Local election officials have said that a final count isn’t expected until Nov. 8 or later.
Born and raised in Arvada, Marriott is the proprietor of Larson’s Ski and Sport in Wheat Ridge, and has credited his upbringing in the Arvada community for his successes in life. During his time as a city councilmember, Marriott has advocated for the city’s government to focus on infrastructure, public safety and housing.
Simpson moved to Arvada over a decade ago and works in diplomacy for the Canadian government — a role she says will help her if elected to the mayor’s office. Simpson’s time in office has been marked by her engagement in providing aid to communities in need, including victims of the Marshall Fire and Arvada’s first responders.
District 2 city council
In District 2, Shawna Amrbose claimed victory over Michael Griffith on Nov. 8 following a tight race. Griffith called Ambrose to concede.
As of Nov. 8, Ambrose had received 4,625 votes, while Griffith had received 4,440.
“I’m extremely thankful to arvada for this win and during the campaign I’ve met with so many incredible civic leaders working for Arvada’s future and I’m honored to be a person who is going to make that happen,” Ambrose said. “I promise to be a representative for everybody, no matter which way you voted, because I think it’s important for the city to work for the people, and I’m gong to work for the people in District 2.”
Local election officials have said that a final count isn’t expected until Nov. 8 or later.
Griffith is the chair of Arvada’s planning commission and has sought election to city council previously, in 2021. Ambrose is a veteran who serves on a number of board and works with nonprofits in the area.
Lauren Simpson — who is seeking election to the mayor’s seat — has represented District 2 for the past 4 years.
In his professional career, Griffith is an urban planner for Kimley-Horn. He has stated on the campaign trail that his experience working in development will be an asset on city council as Arvada continues to grow and expand.
Ambrose has touted her experience working with nonprofits and coordinating collaborations between different organizations as a skill that would help her if elected to Arvada’s city council.
District 4 city council
In District 4, Bob Fifer won over Jessica Fenske by the widest margin of the night.
As of Nov. 8, Fifer had received 7,795 votes, while Fenske had received 4,672.
Local election officials have said that a final count isn’t expected until Nov. 8 or later.
Fifer has served as an at-large city council member for 12 years and is term-limited in that capacity. Fenske is running as a Libertarian; she is the only candidate for city council this year with a stated party affiliation.
David Jones has served as Arvada’s District 4 since 2015. Jones did not seek reelection this year.
After the first round of returns, Fifer said the race was all but decided.
“I feel really good about it,” Fifer said. “I’ve won, I don’t think I have to worry about that from here. I am first and foremost so happy the citizens of Arvada have supported my campaign and also the western part of town. I appreciate all the voters who have shown confidence in me.”
Fenske conceded on Twitter in a video posted from what appears to be a hot tub.
Fifer works as the deputy director of operations for the Colorado Department of Transportation, a role he has said will help address the city’s infrastructure needs.
Fenske notably did not sign Arvada’s code of fair conduct for the campaign trail, making her the only remaining candidate to not pledge to abide by the city’s code. She has a prolific online presence, often using her platform to attack her opponent, city employees and reporters.
At large city council
Sharon Davis won the at large seat over Bob Loveridge and Katherine Kennedy, according to results posted on Nov. 8.
As of that count Davis had received 19,143 votes, while Loveridge had received 13,337 and Kennedy had received 9,097.
Local election officials have said that a final count isn’t expected until Nov. 8 or later.
Davis said she was confident she’d won the race, but hadn’t heard from Loveridge or Kennedy regarding concessions. Kennedy conceded in a phone call with the Arvada Press.
“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for the people of Arvada,” Davis said. “It’s about time we get some stuff done and I think this council will get a lot done.
“I am very stunned but grateful for the kind of outpouring of support I’ve received,” Davis continued. “I couldn’t have done this without new friends, and I did not know what to expect. The people of Arvada are very warm and genuinely kind.”
Davis has served on a number of Arvada’s committees — including the city’s charter review committee and golf advisory committee. Loveridge is a longtime member of Arvada’s fire board who previously served on the Apex Parks and Recreation District’s Board of Directors. Kennedy is a real estate agent in the area.
Community elections are dynamic, so this story may be updated as new information becomes available.